- On April 17, 2026, MeitY announced the selection of 10 Indian AI startups for Cohort II of the IndiaAI Startups Global (ISG) Acceleration Programme, a flagship under the Startup Financing pillar of the IndiaAI Mission. The initiative is a strategic bridge to Europe, run in collaboration with Station F (Paris) and HEC Paris, offering mentorship and global market access.
.png "Current Affairs One - Liner : 19th & 20th April 2026")
- JSW Steel’s Board has approved a landmark 50:50 joint venture with South Korea’s POSCO to set up a massive 6 MTPA integrated steel plant in Odisha. The pact, finalized on April 17, 2026, involves an investment of ₹508.8 crore and targets operational readiness by 2031.
- NITI Aayog launched the anthology “Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India” on 17 April 2026 in New Delhi. Vice Chairman Suman Bery released the book as part of a push to promote India’s cultural and tourism potential. The anthology profiles all 28 states and 8 Union Territories, highlighting destinations, heritage, and local experiences.
- On April 16, 2026, the Meghalaya Cabinet approved the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026. This is a massive shift for the state, as it officially elevates Khasi and Garo to the status of official state languages alongside English.
- On April 16, 2026, General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), flagged off the Surya Devbhoomi Challenge 2.0 in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. This is a high-altitude endurance event designed by the Indian Army’s Surya Command, linking adventure sports with national strategic goals.
- On April 14, 2026, the White House issued National Security and Technology Memorandum‑3 (NSTM‑3), launching the National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power. This directive orders NASA and the Department of War to move from concept to hardware, aiming for a Moon reactor by 2030 to secure U.S. leadership in the space race.
- On April 15, 2026, CheQ (credit management platform) and AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) launched the CheQ AU Credit Card. This is India’s first co-branded credit card with an embedded LED, making it one of the most distinctive cards in the market.
- On April 13, 2026, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved a $225 million loan (≈ ₹1,875 crore) for the Rajasthan Highway Modernization Project. Rajasthan, a gateway to nearly 40% of India’s markets, has seen rapid growth (≈11% annually), but its road infrastructure lags behind. This project aims to bridge that gap.
- On 16 April 2026, Herbalife India and IIT Madras signed an MoU to establish India’s first Centre of Excellence on Plant Cell Fermentation Technology at IITM Research Park. The CoE aims to revolutionize herbal ingredient production by overcoming farming limits like soil, season, and geography.
- On 18 April 2026 in New Delhi, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) signed an MoU with NICDC Logistics Data Services Limited (NLDSL). The aim is to build a data-driven framework for the MSME sector, enhancing supply chain visibility and competitiveness.
- On April 16, 2026, NASA announced SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy will launch the ESA’s Rosalind Franklin Rover to Mars in October 2028, with landing expected by November 2030. This revives the ExoMars program after Russia’s withdrawal, under a new NASA–ESA partnership.
- World Quantum Day 2026 was observed on April 14 with the theme “Shaping the Quantum Workforce.” The focus shifted from academic research to preparing skilled professionals for real-world quantum applications. Governments and industries emphasized quantum readiness, training engineers, developers, and business leaders alongside scientists.
- World Art Day 2026 – April 15 was observed globally with the theme “A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art.” This year’s focus moved beyond traditional galleries, highlighting how creativity can act as a bridge for community healing and social cohesion.
- Dinesh Trivedi, veteran politician and former Union Railway Minister, was announced as India’s new High Commissioner to Bangladesh on 19 April 2026. He succeeds Pranay Verma, who moved to Brussels as Ambassador to the EU.
- On 16 April 2026 in Bhubaneswar, former Odisha Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy was unanimously elected as the President of the Odisha Steel Producers’ Association (OSPA). The election took place during a meeting of representatives from 15 leading steelmakers and miners.
- Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director of ICAR–NAARM, was honored with the 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award (2024–25) on 17 April 2026 in Hyderabad. The award recognized his pioneering work in climate-resilient agriculture, dryland farming, and natural resource management.
- The Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 were held on 20 April in Madrid, with tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka winning Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) named Team of the Year. The ceremony honored global sporting excellence across disciplines.
- Brazilian basketball legend Oscar Schmidt, nicknamed “Mão Santa” (Holy Hand), passed away on 17 April 2026 in Santana de Parnaíba, São Paulo, at the age of 68 after a 15-year battle with a brain tumor.
Questions:
Q.1 Who received the 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award (2024–25)?a) Ch. Srinivasa Rao
b) M. S. Swaminathan
c) Ramesh Chand
d) Ashok Gulati
Answer: a) Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director of ICAR–NAARM, was honored with the 9th Prof. M.S. Swaminathan Award (2024–25) on 17 April 2026 in Hyderabad.
Q.2 What is the objective of the National Initiative for American Space Nuclear Power under National Security and Technology Memorandum-3 (NSTM-3)?
a) Mars colonization by 2027
b) Establishing a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030
c) Expanding space tourism
d) Satellite internet development
Answer: b) The U.S. aims to build a Moon-based nuclear reactor by 2030 to strengthen space leadership.
